Patents Examined by George C. Eckery, II
  • Patent number: 6025627
    Abstract: A method and structure for textured surfaces in non volatile floating gate tunneling oxide (FLOTOX) devices, e.g. FLOTOX transistors, are provided. The present invention capitalizes on using "self-structured masks" and a controlled etch to form nanometer scale microtip arrays to form the textured surfaces. The present invention further employs atomic layer epitaxy (ALE) to create a very conformal tunnel oxide layer which complements the nanometer scale microtip arrays. The resulting structure provides a higher tunneling current than currently exists in FLOTOX technology. The improved tunneling currents at low voltages can make these FLOTOX devices suitable for replacing DRAMS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard Forbes, Joseph E. Geusic